[center][h2][color=b5a0d2][b]⚘[/b]   Steffen Gravinir   [b]⚘[/b][/color][/h2][/center][hr]
Where did that Hundi ran off to? Messing with that door was serious business. It took him too long to get the last one replaced. 

It almost made him break his own rules when it came to Candaeln, one he would happily remind to other knights: No running in the hallway!

Still he wondered what the hell Lein was breaking into his office for. He doubted that the Hundi was just there to mess with him: he knew what Lein would've done just for that. If only he knew, he would have remembered which notes or books that had been misplaced, then he could make guesses on what he wanted. Even after the heart-to-heart with Lein, there were still bits and pieces he was worried about from this inconspicuous Hundi. Hell, in fact there might be more to be worried about than his previous image of the mischievous rogue going about in a semi-nomadic lifestyle. It was something expected as he got closer to the lad, but ought not to be ignored. 

While his mind was circling thoughts, he turned a corner and speed-walked right into a familiar face. One of the Iron Rose Knights, the same one at the eventful ball the previous week, but also the same one from many years ago too. The first memory served was a tattered, beaten and bloodied face, stumbling and wobbly from his injuries. It wasn't a good memory per say, but the bond between the relatively senior knight and this outlander now turned Iron Rose bookkeeper tightened from such a starting point. 

"Oh, Sir Steffen. Didn't expect you to be in such ruffles." Sir Katte, bemused by his friend's appearance, said. "What's gotten you so worked up?"

[color=b5a0d2]"Oh, nothing really."[/color] Steffen replied, with a chuckle of his own. [color=b5a0d2]"Some troublemakers that's all."[/color] 

"Can't get away from those folks eh?" Katte laughed kindly. "Makes sense when our knight membership shifts younger, especially after the war." 

[color=b5a0d2]"Any administrator's nightmare, really."[/color] Steffen rolled his eyes. Youngsters and their roguish ways nowadays. [color=b5a0d2]"Anyway, what are you up to, Sir Katte?"[/color]

"Oh." The knight gestured to an envelope in his pocket. "I'm heading into town. Had to deliver this to May."

[color=b5a0d2]"Oh May, how's she doing right now?"[/color] He recognized that name. She was someone Steffen called his compatriot and friend, hailing from the same village he was from when he arrived in Thaln, and fought on the same side as him and the Roses during those desperate hours. Last time he heard, she was in Aimlenn, trying to make a living in the capital. 

"Eh, not too well?" Katte shrugged. "She's living for now, but hasn't been able to get a stable footing. I heard that the school she was teaching at got closed down recently due to funding."

[color=b5a0d2]"Ugh, that's not good."[/color] Steffen frowned. Poor girl. Fate hadn't been kind to her. 

"So I'm sending a bit of money her way, hoping she'll get back on her feet." 

Hopefully that would do something. 

[color=b5a0d2]"I'll see what I can do over here, maybe putting in some good words for her. I do have a voice in that regard."[/color] 

He wasn't a political powerhouse by any means, but to some, he was a hero of the War of the Red Flag, and was loved enough that he was given the honor to join the Iron Rose. His words would carry a bit more weight than others, considering May also had parts to play in those days of the war. But she wasn't a knight, and had no nobility connection to speak of, so when it came to state actions it would still be limited.

"Good luck Steffen. I'm sure May would appreciate your effort regardless." Katte gave the Ingvarr a kind smile, a wave before parting ways.

Steffen would take a bit of time back in his office for the aforementioned task. He had told himself to excuse from paperwork for the day, but if it's for a friend, he was fine with breaking his own rules every now and then. On that note, it would be great to send a note to Sir Renar's office about that creaky door that he now knew a particular Hundi had caused.